The Transfer Tavern

Samassekou the man to replace injury stricken Oxlade-Chamberlain for Liverpool

Liverpool were dealt a cruel blow amidst all of their recent transfer speculation.

With Alisson Becker finalising his world-record transfer to Anfield, the news broke that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could miss the entire 2018/19 season. The former Arsenal man became a fan favourite after joining the Reds last summer but his season was cut short after he was injured against Manchester City. Now set to miss the entire campaign, Liverpool fans will be devastated.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury leaves Liverpool void of options in the centre of midfield outside of their starting trio. Georginio Wijnaldum has been linked with an Anfield exit, and Adam Lallana has struggled for fitness in recent years. Jurgen Klopp needs to add one more player to the engine room.

The perfect signing could be Red Bull Salzburg powerhouse – Diadie Samassekou. Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the Malian international is the latest star to make a name for themselves in the Austrian Bundesliga. Following his exceptional performances, he has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of now Liverpool players, Naby Keita and Sadio Mane, in moving to a top European club.

The 22-year-old is supremely talented and would provide excellent cover in defensive midfield. The youngster was key to their successful bid, making 29 appearances in the league as well as four in the Champions League. Samassekou was crucial to his side as Salzburg reached the semi-final of the Europa League – averaging a remarkable 4.2 tackles and 2.1 interceptions in the competition (WhoScored).

His contract in Austria expires in just one year – there is no better time for Liverpool to pick up a bargain before someone else beats them to it.